Wearable pulse oximeter and respiration monitor

ABSTRACT

A wireless patient monitoring device can be fully functional stand-alone patient monitoring device capable of various physiological measurements. The patient monitoring device is small and light enough to be comfortably worn on the patient, such as on the patient&#39;s wrist or around the neck. The patient monitoring device can have a monitor instrument removably engaging a disposable base. The base can have outlets for connecting to an acoustic respiration sensor and an oximeter sensor. The patient monitoring device can have pogo pin connectors connecting the monitor instrument and the disposable base so that the monitor instrument can receive sensor data from the sensors connected to the disposable base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/359,589, filed Jul. 7, 2016, titled WEARABLE PULSE OXIMETER ANDRESPIRATION MONITOR; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/463,331,filed Feb. 24, 2017, titled WEARABLE PULSE OXIMETER AND RESPIRATIONMONITOR. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

In general, the present disclosure relates to a wearable patientmonitoring device, and methods and apparatuses for monitoring apatient's physiological information using the device. More specifically,the present disclosure relates to the connection of physiologicalsensors to instruments responsive to signals from the sensors.

BACKGROUND

Hospitals, nursing homes, and other patient care facilities typicallyinclude patient monitoring devices at one or more bedsides in thefacility. Patient monitoring devices generally include sensors,processing equipment, and displays for obtaining and analyzing a medicalpatient's physiological parameters such as blood oxygen saturationlevel, respiratory rate, pulse, and a myriad of other parameters, suchas those monitored on commercially available patient monitors fromMasimo Corporation of Irvine, Calif. Clinicians, including doctors,nurses, and other medical personnel, use the physiological parametersand trends of those parameters obtained from patient monitors todiagnose illnesses and to prescribe treatments. Clinicians also use thephysiological parameters to monitor patients during various clinicalsituations to determine whether to increase the level of medical caregiven to patients.

In an embodiment, the patient monitoring devices include a pulseoximeter. Pulse oximetry is a widely accepted noninvasive procedure formeasuring the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood, an indicator ofa person's oxygen supply. A typical pulse oximetry system utilizes anoptical sensor clipped onto a fingertip to measure a relative volume ofoxygenated hemoglobin in pulsatile arterial blood flowing within, forexample, the fingertip, foot, ear, forehead, or other measurement sites.The oximeter can, in various embodiments, calculate oxygen saturation(SpO₂), pulse rate, a plethysmograph waveform, perfusion index (PI),pleth variability index (PVI), methemoglobin (MetHb), carboxyhemoglobin(CoHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), glucose, and/or otherwise, and theoximeter can display on one or more monitors the foregoing parametersindividually, in groups, in trends, as combinations, or as an overallwellness or other index. An example of such an oximeter, which canutilize an optical sensor described herein, are described in U.S.application Ser. No. 13/762,270, filed Feb. 07, 2013, titled “WirelessPatient Monitoring Device,” U.S. application Ser. No. 14/834,169, filedAug. 24, 2015, titled “Wireless Patient Monitoring Device,” and U.S.application Ser. No. 14/511,974, filed Oct. 10, 2014, titled “PatientPosition Detection System,” the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

The patient monitoring devices can also communicate with an acousticsensor comprising an acoustic transducer, such as a piezoelectricelement. The acoustic sensor can detect respiratory and other biologicalsounds of a patient and provide signals reflecting these sounds to apatient monitor. An example of such an acoustic sensor, which canimplement any of the acoustic sensing functions described herein, isdescribed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/643,939, filed Dec. 21, 2009,titled “Acoustic Sensor Assembly,” and in U.S. application Ser. No.61/313,645, filed Mar. 12, 2010, titled “Acoustic Respiratory MonitoringSensor Having Multiple Sensing Elements,” the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. An example of suchan acoustic sensor is also described in U.S. application Ser. Nos.13/762,270, 14/834,169, and 14/511,974 referenced above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the present disclosure, one or more sensors can be connected to awireless monitor configured to receive the sensor data, process the datato determine any number of a myriad of physiological parameters, andwirelessly transmit the sensor data or the physiological parametersresponsive to the sensor data to a bedside monitor. The bedside monitorcan be configured to output the physiological parameters, communicationchannel, and/or communication status. An example of methods andapparatuses for wirelessly monitoring a patient's physiologicalinformation is described in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/762,270,14/834,169, and 14/511,974 referenced above.

Durable and disposable sensors are often used for the patient monitoringdevices. These sensors can have connectors which allow detachment from amonitor instrument or a cable. One example of the connectors can includethe use of pogo pins on a pin end and a plurality of electrical contactson a surface of a sensor end. The pin end can have a plurality ofretractable electrical connectors or pogo pins extending through pinholes on a printed circuit board. The plurality of electrical contactson the sensor end are configured to engage contact tips of the pluralityof pogo pins when the pin end comes into close proximity with the sensorend. An example of the pogo pin connectors is described in U.S.application Ser. No. 15/017,349, filed Feb. 5, 2016, titled “Pogo PinConnector,” which is expressly bodily incorporated in its entirety andis part of this disclosure.

One aspect of the disclosure is a wireless patient monitoring device formeasuring one or more parameters that can be secured to a wrist of thepatient. The wireless patient monitoring device can include a monitorinstrument, a base, and a strap. The monitor instrument can removablymechanically and electrically engage the base. In some embodiments, themonitor instrument can have a display screen. The base can have a strapconnector for engaging a strap that can be worn on the patient's wrist.The base can have an outlet on a first end configured to be connected toa first sensor. In some embodiments, the base can also have an outlet ona second end configured to be connected to a second sensor. The firstend can be opposite the second end along a length of the base. The basecan have a plurality of electrical contacts on an anterior surface. Theplurality of electrical contacts can be configured to contact aplurality of pogo pins extending from a posterior surface of the monitorinstrument. The contact between the electrical contacts and the pogopins can electrically connect the monitor instrument to the sensors thatare coupled to the base. The monitor instrument can then receive datafrom one or both sensors, it can process the data to determineresponsive parameters/measurements and/or can transmit the data andcalculated parameter information wirelessly to a bedside monitor. Insome embodiments, one of the sensors is configured to be connected tothe base and can comprise a noninvasive optical sensor of the type usedin pulse oximetry. In some embodiments, one of the sensors is configuredto be connected to the base and can comprise a non-invasive acousticsensor of the type used in breath sounds monitoring to determinerespiration rate and/or cardiac parameters.

A patient monitoring device configured to be removably secured to apatient and responsive to one or more physiological parameters of thepatient can comprise a reusable monitor instrument configured totransmit wireless information to a remote patient monitor and having aplurality of electrical connectors extending from a surface of themonitor instrument; and a disposable portion including (a) at least onenon-invasive physiological sensor comprising one of an optical sensorand an acoustic sensor, (b) a base having (i) an electrical connectorconfigured to connect to the at least one physiological sensor, the atleast one physiological sensor including its own sensor attachmentmechanism separate from the disposable portion, said sensor attachmentmechanism configured to removably secure said at least one physiologicalsensor to a measurement site on said patient, and (ii) a plurality ofelectrical contacts on a surface, the electrical connector includingelectronics operably connecting the at least one physiological sensor tothe plurality of electrical contacts, the monitor instrument configuredto removably mechanically engage the base, the electrical connectorsconfigured to electrically contact the electrical contacts, and (c) anattachment mechanism configured for removably securing the base to thepatient, wherein the monitor instrument can be responsive to signalsfrom the at least one physiological sensor, said signals responsive tophysiological parameters of the patient. The base can further comprise asecond electrical connector configured to connect to a secondnon-invasive physiological sensor. The physiological sensor can comprisethe optical sensor. The physiological sensor can comprise the acousticsensor. The monitor instrument can comprise a display screen. Theplurality of electrical connectors can comprise pogo pins. The devicecan further comprise one or more cable management mechanisms on thereusable monitor instrument or the base, the one or more cablemanagement mechanisms configured to secure sensor cables.

A patient monitoring device configured to be removably secured to apatient and responsive to one or more physiological parameters of thepatient can comprise a reusable monitor instrument configured totransmit wireless information to a remote patient monitor and having aplurality of electrical connectors extending from a surface of themonitor instrument; and a disposable portion including (a) at least twonon-invasive physiological sensors, each sensor including a sensorpositioner configured to position the sensor with respect to ameasurement site on said patient, (b) a base having (i) at least firstand second electrical connectors configured to connect to the at leasttwo physiological sensors respectively, and (ii) a plurality ofelectrical contacts on a surface, the electrical connectors includingelectronics operably connecting the at least two physiological sensorsto the plurality of electrical contacts, the monitor instrumentconfigured to removably mechanically engage the base, the electricalconnectors configured to electrically contact the electrical contacts,and (c) an attachment mechanism configured for removably securing thebase to the patient, wherein the monitor instrument can be responsive tosignals from the at least two physiological sensors, said signalsresponsive to physiological parameters of the patient. The attachmentmember can comprise a band configured to be removably secured onto thepatient's arm, wrist, leg, or ankle. The attachment member can comprisea cord configured to be worn around the patient's neck. The at leastfirst and second electrical connectors can be positioned on the sameside of the base. At least first and second electrical connectors can beconfigured to removably connect the at least two physiological sensorssuch that the at least first and second electrical connectors can beexchanged. The plurality of electrical connectors can comprise pogopins. The device can further comprise one or more cable managementmechanisms on the reusable monitor instrument or the base, the one ormore cable management mechanisms configured to secure sensor cables.

A patient monitoring device configured to be removably secured to apatient and responsive to one or more physiological parameters of thepatient can comprise a reusable monitor instrument configured totransmit wireless information to a remote patient monitor and having atleast one electrical connector extending from a surface of the monitorinstrument, the at least one electrical connector including electronicsconfigured for operably connecting to at least one physiological sensor;and a disposable portion including a base and an attachment mechanismconfigured for removably securing the base to the patient, the monitorinstrument configured to removably mechanically engage the base, whereinthe monitor instrument can be responsive to signals from the at leastone physiological sensor, said signals responsive to physiologicalparameters of the patient. The attachment member can comprise a bandconfigured to be removably secured onto the patient's arm, wrist, leg,or ankle. The attachment member can comprise a cord configured to beworn around the patient's neck. The device can further comprise one ormore cable management mechanisms on the reusable monitor instrument orthe base, the one or more cable management mechanisms configured tosecure sensor cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrated and describedby example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings, similar elements have similar referencenumerals.

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate perspective and front views of an embodiment of awireless patient monitoring device connected to two physiologicalsensors.

FIGS. 1D-1F illustrate various perspective views of an embodiment of awireless patient monitoring device connected to two physiologicalsensors.

FIGS. 1G-1I various perspective views of illustrate an embodiment of awireless patient monitoring device connected to two physiologicalsensors.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate partially exploded views of the embodiment of thewireless patient monitoring device of FIGS. 1A-B connected to twophysiological sensors.

FIGS. 2D-E illustrates front and back views of embodiments of pads orprinted circuit boards (“PCBs”) having a plurality of electricalcontacts for use in an embodiment of the wireless patient monitoringdevice.

FIG. 2F illustrates back views of a base and a strap of an embodiment ofthe wireless patient monitoring device.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate left, front and bottom views of an embodiment ofthe wireless patient monitoring device.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate left, front and bottom views of the embodiment ofthe wireless patient monitoring device of FIGS. 3A-C with internalstructures shown in broken lines.

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate perspective, left, front, and bottom views ofanother embodiment of the wireless patient monitoring device.

FIG. 5E illustrates the embodiment of the wireless patient monitoringdevice of FIGS. 5A-D connecting to a physiological sensor.

FIG. 5F illustrates another embodiment of the wireless patientmonitoring device connecting to a physiological sensor.

FIG. 6A illustrates a partial exploded view of the embodiment of thewireless patient monitoring device of FIGS. 5A-D.

FIGS. 6B-E illustrate steps for disassembling a monitor instrument froma base of the embodiment of the wireless patient monitoring device ofFIGS. 5A-D.

FIG. 6F illustrates front views of a base, a strap and a sensor cable ofanother embodiment of the wireless patient monitoring device.

FIGS. 7A-E illustrate embodiments of the wireless patient monitoringdevice suitable for wearing on both the patient's left and right wrists.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate another embodiment of the wireless patientmonitoring device that can be worn around a patient's neck.

FIGS. 9A-B illustrate another embodiment of the wireless patientmonitoring device that can be worn on the patient's wrist.

FIGS. 10A-B illustrate the embodiments of the wireless patientmonitoring device of FIGS. 8A-B and 9A-B attached to a physiologicalsensor, with the monitor instrument detached from the bases.

FIGS. 11A-D illustrate another embodiment of the wireless patientmonitoring device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a patient wearing an example wireless patientmonitoring device.

FIG. 13 illustrates a patient wearing an example wireless patientmonitoring device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, those ofskill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modificationsand equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of thedisclosure herein disclosed should not be limited by any particularembodiments described below.

In clinical settings, medical sensors are often attached to patients tomonitor physiological parameters of the patients. Some examples ofmedical sensors include, but are not limited to, blood oxygen sensors,such as pulse oximetry sensors, acoustic respiratory sensors, EEGs,ECGs, blood pressure sensors, sedation state sensors, etc. Typically,each sensor attached to a patient is connected to a bedside monitoringdevice with a cable. The cables limit the patient's freedom of movementand impede a care provider's access to the patient. The cablesconnecting the patient to the bedside monitoring device also make itmore difficult to move the patient from room to room or switch todifferent bedside monitors.

This disclosure describes embodiments of wireless patient monitoringdevices that are coupled to one or more sensors and worn by a patient.FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an embodiment of the wireless patient monitoringdevice 10. The wireless patient monitoring device 10 can have a monitorinstrument 110, a base 140, and a strap 160. The monitor instrument 110can be reusable. The base 140 and/or the strap 160 can be disposable.

The monitor instrument 110 can include a wireless transceiver capable oftransmitting data using any of a variety of wireless technologies, suchas Wi-Fi (802.11x), Bluetooth (802.15.2), Zigbee (802.15.4), cellulartelephony, infrared, RFID, satellite transmission, proprietaryprotocols, combinations of the same, and the like. The monitorinstrument 110 can also include processing capabilities. The monitorinstrument 110 can include a hardware processor. The monitor instrumentcan include a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, themonitor instrument 100 can have a battery. In some embodiments, thebattery can be built inside the monitor instrument 110 and rechargeable.For example, the battery can be recharged when the monitor instrument100 is placed on a charging dock. In other embodiments, the battery canbe replaceable. The monitor instrument 100 can transmit sensor dataobtained from sensors to a remote patient monitor (not shown). Forexample, the remote patient monitor can be a bedside monitor. Bytransmitting the sensor data wirelessly, the patient monitoring device10 can advantageously replace some or all cables that connect patientsto the bedside monitor. Detailed methods and apparatuses of wirelesslytransmitting sensor data to bedside monitoring devices are described inU.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/762,270, 14/834,169, and 14/511,974referenced above.

An artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the device 10can include additional and/or alternative features and functions. Forexample, the device 10 can advantageously upload its data to acloud-based computing platform or data storage platform where the devicemanufacturer can manage the data, a caregiver, caregiver facility orinsurance provider can access the data, or the like. Also, while shownas a device for attachment to the wrist or appendages of non-infants,the device can attach to an ankle of an infant or neonate where theoptical sensor is attached to the foot. Other embodiments can use an earor nose optical sensor, or can combine a nose optical sensor and anacoustic sensor. Still additional embodiments can secure to the head orother site on the body, can include position sensors, fall detectionalgorithms, patient turn protocols and algorithms or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the monitor instrument 110 can be detachablefrom the base 140. The monitor instrument 110 can have a substantiallyrectangular shape with an anterior surface 112 and a posterior surface114. The anterior surface 112 faces away from the base 140. Theposterior surface 114 faces toward the base 140. In some embodiments,the monitor instrument 110 can have a length of about 50-70 cm. In someembodiments, the monitor instrument 110 can have a width of about 40-60cm. The anterior and posterior surfaces 112, 114 can be substantiallyflat and have a small thickness between the anterior and posteriorsurfaces 112, 114. The shape, size, and/or weight of the monitorinstrument 110 can advantageously resemble a shape size, and/or weightof a watch and be suitable for being worn on the wrist of the patient.The shape size, and/or weight of the monitor instrument 110 are notlimiting; however, in an embodiment, the size and weight are approximatethat of a wrist watch. For example and not by way of limitation, themonitor instrument can have a circular outer shape as shown in FIGS.5A-D, or a square outer shape as shown in FIG. 5F. In the illustratedembodiments, the anterior surface 112 can have a display screen 113 fordisplaying messages and/or physiological parameters for the patientand/or care providers.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the posterior surface 114 of the monitor instrument110 can include a cover 116 having a group of pogo pin holes. One end ofa plurality of pogo pins 117 can protrude from the pogo pin holes of thecover 116. Another end of the pogo pins can form an electricalconnection with the PCB inside the monitor instrument 110 to establishan electrical connection between the PCB inside the monitor instrument110 and one or more sensors, which will be described in more detailsbelow. More details of the pogo pins are described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/017,349 referenced above. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of pogo pins 117 is arranged in two rows. A person of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate from the disclosure herein that theconfiguration of the plurality of pogo pins is not limiting.Additionally, although FIG. 2A shows one cover 116 with a plurality ofpogo pins 117 in a center of the posterior surface 114, the numberand/or locations of covers with a plurality of pogo pins are notlimiting. For example and not by way of limitation, the posteriorsurface 114 of the monitor instrument 110 can have two covers with pogopins on opposite ends of the posterior surface 114 along its length orwidth. In another example, the posterior surface 114 of the monitorinstrument 110 can have one cover with pogo pins on each of four cornersof the substantially rectangular posterior surface 114.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the base 140 can be made fromdisposable material(s). Disposability advantageously provides a moresterile environment for patients. That is, in an embodiment, theportions of the device that can come in contact with a patient, such assensors 170, 172, the strap 160, and the base 140, can be single useitems, while the relatively expensive processing components of themonitor instrument 110 can be sanitized, sterilized or the like, andreused. For example and not by way of limitation, the base 140 can bemade from plastic materials. The base 140 can have an outer shapecorresponding to the outer shape of the monitor instrument 110. As shownin FIGS. 2A-B, the base 140 has a substantially rectangular shape withan anterior surface 142 and a posterior surface 144 (shown in FIG. 2F).The anterior surface 142 faces toward the monitor instrument 110. Theposterior surface 144 faces away from the monitor instrument 110 andtoward the patient wearing the device. The anterior 142 and posterior144 surfaces can be substantially flat and have a small thicknessbetween the anterior 142 and posterior 144 surfaces. The shape and sizeof the base 140 are not limiting. The anterior surface 142 of the base140 can have a recessed flat surface 143 configured to accommodate theposterior surface 114 of the monitor instrument 110. As shown in FIGS.1A-B and 2A-B, the monitor instrument 110 can removably engage theanterior surface 142 of the base 140. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase 140 can have two tabs 148 configured to clip onto or otherwisemechanically and removably mate with two recesses 118 on the monitorinstrument 110. The tab 148 can have a protrusion 149 configured to fitinto an indent 119 on the recess 118 of the monitor instrument 110.Other methods of removably coupling the monitor instrument 110 and thebase 140 can include a magnet, a clip, a band, a snap fit, a frictionfit, twist and secure, slide and secure, or otherwise, and are notlimiting.

The base 140 can include one or more outlets for accommodating one ormore sensor cables extending out of and away from the base 140. As shownin FIGS. 1A-C and 2A-B, the base 140 can include a first outlet 150 on afirst end of the base 140 and a second outlet 152 on a second end of thebase 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end can be oppositethe first end along a length of the base 140. A first cable 174 of firstsensor 170 can extend away from the base 140 via the first outlet 150. Asecond cable 176 of a second sensor 172 can extend away from the base140 via the second outlet 152. Disposing outlets on opposite ends of thebase 140 can advantageously prevent cluttering and tangling of thesensor cables. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sensor 170 cancomprise an SpO₂ sensor and the second sensor 172 can comprise arespiratory rate sensor. Types of sensor that can connect to the base140 are not limiting. In some embodiments, the base 140 can include onlyone outlet configured for any type of physiological sensor. In someembodiments, the cable(s) of the one or two sensors can be permanentlyconnected to the outlets of the base. The base and the sensors can beboth disposable. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, locations of the first andsecond sensors 170, 172 can be exchangeable so that the first sensor 170is connected from the side of the second outlet 152 and the secondsensor 172 is connected from the side of the first outlet 150.

FIGS. 1D-1I illustrate embodiments of the wireless patient monitoringdevice 10 having the first and second outlets 150, 152 on the same endof the base 140. Some or all of remaining features of the wirelesspatient monitoring device 10 in FIG. 1D-1I can have the same structuraldetails as the wireless patient monitoring device described above. Inaddition, features of the patient monitoring device 10 in FIGS. 1D-1Ican be incorporated into features of patient monitoring deviceillustrated in the subsequent figures and described below and featuresof the patient monitoring device illustrated in the subsequent figuresand described below can be incorporated into features of patientmonitoring device 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1I. In theseembodiments, the first and second cables 174, 176 of the first andsecond sensors 170, 172, respectively, can extend from the first andsecond outlets, 150, 152 on the same end of the base 140. As shown inFIGS. 1D-1I, the first cable 174 can be positioned approximately 180°relative to a direction the outlet 150 faces so that when the device 10is worn by the user, the first and second sensors 170, 172 can belocated on opposite ends of the base 140. A skilled artisan willrecognize that either one of the first and second cables 174, 176 can bepositioned approximately 180° relative to a direction that the outlets150, 152 face to make the first and second sensors 170, 172 on theopposite ends of the base 140. A skilled artisan will also recognizethat either one or both of the first and second cables 174, 176 can bepositioned in a direction about 90°, about 180°, or about 270°, or anyother angles, relative to a direction that the outlets 150, 152 face,depending on the desired locations of the sensors. A skilled artisanwill appreciate from the disclosure herein that one or more outlets canbe positioned anywhere along a perimeter of the wireless patientmonitoring device, or on any surface of the wireless patient monitoringdevice, or on any surface or sides of the base 140. If two or moreoutlets are positioned on one side or surface of the patient monitoringdevice 10 or base 140, the two or more outlets can be spread out basedon, for example, desired positioning of the sensors. In someembodiments, the base 140 and the one or more sensors can be unitarysuch that the base and the one or more sensors can be a singledisposable part.

To maintain the first sensor 170 on the opposite side of the base 140from the second sensor 172, a cable management system, for example, acord snapping feature 195 can be used to retain the cable 174 after itis positioned approximately 180° relative to the direction the outlet150 faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable management system195 can retain a portion of the first cable 174 by a snap fit, althoughmethods of retaining the cable are not limiting. In addition tomaintaining the position of the first sensor 170, the cable managementsystem 195 can allow a length of the first cable 174 relative to thebase 140 to be adjusted to prevent the first cable 174 from danglingabout the patient's wrist or arm. A skilled artisan will recognize fromthe disclosure herein a wide range of mechanical mating or othermechanisms for positioning and managing the positions of the cables.FIG. 12 illustrates a patient wearing an example wireless patientmonitoring device 1200 on the patient's wrist. In the illustratedembodiment, the device 1200 is connected to one sensor 1270. The sensor1270 can be a pulse oximeter sensor and the patient can wear the sensor1270 on the patient's fingertip, with the sensor cable or flex-circuit1274 extending between the device 1200 and the sensor 1270. The device1200 can include a cable management system described herein to retain aportion of the cable or flex-circuit 1274 and allow a length of thecable or flex-circuit 1274 to be adjustable. FIG. 13 illustrates apatient wearing an example wireless patient monitoring device 1300 onthe patient's wrist. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1300 isconnected to a first sensor 1370 and a second sensor 1372. The firstsensor 1370 can be a pulse oximeter sensor and the patient can wear thefirst sensor 1370 on the patient's fingertip. The second sensor 1372 canbe an acoustic sensor and the patient can wear the second sensor 1372near or around the patient's neck. As shown in FIG. 13, a cablemanagement system 1395 can retain a portion of the sensor cable 1376connecting the second sensor 1372 and the device 1300 and allow a lengthof the cable 1376 to be adjustable. The device 1300 can further includea cable management system described herein to retain a portion of thecable or flex-circuit 1374 connecting the first sensor 1370 and thedevice 1300, and allow a length of the cable or flex-circuit 1374 to beadjustable.

As shown in FIGS. 1D-1F, the cable management system 195 can be aslidable cord-snap component configured to slide along the first cable174 and be snapped onto a slot 196 on the monitor instrument 110 toretain the first cable 174 relative to the monitor instrument 110. Asshown in FIGS. 1G-1H, the cable management system 195 can be one or morecord snap features attached to, or be an integral part of the monitorinstrument 110 or the base 140. In some embodiments, two or more cablemanagement systems 195 can be located on the monitor instrument 110 orthe base 140 to retain the first cable 174. In some embodiments,additional cable management systems can be available to retain both ofthe first and second cables 174, 176 and make the cable lengths betweenthe patient monitoring device 10 and both the first and second sensors170, 172 adjustable. A skilled artisan will recognize that the cablemanagement systems can be located on any suitable locations of thewireless patient monitoring device 10.

Electrical connections of the sensor(s) to the monitor instrument 110will now be described. With continued reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, theanterior surface 142 of the base 140 can include a pad 146 having aplurality of electrical contacts 147 on one side of the pad 146. The pad146 can be a PCB. In some embodiments, the pad 146 can have one or moreEEPROMs or other electronic components. Each EEPROM can storeidentification information of a sensor, schemes for validating theauthenticity of the sensor, and other information relating to thesensor. The one or more EEPROMs or other electronic components can be onthe same side or reverse side of the pad 146 that has the plurality ofelectrical contacts 147. FIGS. 2D-E illustrate some non-limitingexamples of the pads. The pad 146 can be molded onto the anteriorsurface 142 of the base 140. The pad 146 can be disposable with the restof the base 140. The electrical contacts 147 can be electricallyconnected to at least one electrical connector. The electricalconnector(s) can include electronics configured for connecting to one ormore of the sensors 170, 172. Specifically, the electrical contacts 147can be electrically connected to the cables 174, 176 by soldering one ormore wires of each cable to a group of soldering points on the pad 146.The group of soldering points can be on the same side or reverse side ofthe pad 146 that has the plurality of electrical contacts 147. Thus, thePCB advantageously facilitates electrical communication betweenconductors of the cables 174, 174 and the processing device(s) of theinstrument 110. Specifically, in an embodiment, the processorcommunicates with pogo style electrical pins housed in the instrument110. When seated or otherwise fixed to the base 140, the pogo pins forman electrical connection with the electrical contacts 147. Theelectrical contacts 147 are in electrical communication with solderingpoints 254, 256 (shown in FIG. 2E), and in some embodiments, one or moreinformation elements like an EEPROM, which are in turn in electricalcommunication with conductors of one or more of the cables 174, 176. Inan embodiment, this electrical pathway electrically bridges theinstrument 110 to one or more of the sensors through the base 140.

FIG. 2D shows a pad 200 having one group of soldering points 204 on afirst side 208 of the pad 200. The pad 200 can have a second side 212opposite the first side 208 The second side 212 can include a pluralityof electrical contacts 216 configured to contact the pins 117, forexample, as shown in FIG. 2A. The second side 212 can have one or moreEEPROMs or other electronic components 220. The plurality of electricalcontacts 216 can be on a recessed surface due to a thickness of the oneor more EEPROMs or other electronic components 220. The pins 117 can beconfigured to have a length suitable for contacted the electricalcontacts 216 on the recessed surface. The pins 117 and the electricalcontacts 216 can be surrounded by common projections to establishelectrical connection between the pins 117 and the electrical contacts216. In some embodiments, the one or more EEPROMs or other electroniccomponents 220 can be located on the first side 208 so that theelectrical contacts 216 can be flush with a surface of the second side212 of the pad 200. Having the electrical contacts 216 flush with thesurface of the second side 212 of the pad 200 can ensure adequatecontacts between the pins 117 and the electrical contacts 216. Inaddition, soldering of the one or more EEPROMs or other electroniccomponents 220 and the cable wires to the pad 200 can be done on thesame side of the pad 200

FIG. 2E shows another pad 250 having two groups of soldering points 254,256 on a first side 258 of the pad 250. The two groups of solderingpoints 254, 256 can be configured to each accommodate wires from asensor cable. The first side 258 can have at least two EEPROMs or otherelectronic components 270 located between the two groups of solderingpoints 254, 256. The pad 250 can have a second side 262 opposite thefirst side 258. The second side 262 can include a plurality ofelectrical contacts 266 configured to contact the pins 117, for example,as shown in FIG. 2A. The electrical contacts 266 are flush with asurface of the second side 262 of the pad. As described above, havingthe electrical contacts 266 flush with the surface of the second side262 of the pad 250 can ensure adequate contacts between the pins 117 andthe electrical contacts 266. One advantage of soldering two sensorcables to the pad 250 to establish electrical connection between thesensor(s) and the monitor instrument is that the cable wires can flex inall directions, making it easy to position the sensor(s) relative to themonitoring device.

In some embodiments, the electrical connection of the sensors and themonitor instrument can include a hybrid connector to accommodate onesensor cable and one flex-circuit. One of the sensors, such as thesensor 170, can include a flex-circuit instead of being connected toconducting wires of a sensor cable. The plurality of electrical contactsfor contacting the pins can be located on or an integral part of theflex circuit, which incorporates, for example, conductive traces insteadof conductive wires. The flex circuit can include a stiffening part,such as a flat board, behind the electrical contacts. Stiffening theelectrical contacts portion of the flex circuit can increase therigidity of the electrical contacts, thereby ensuring adequate contactbetween the pins and the electrical contacts. The flex-circuit caninclude an extension having a group of soldering points. Cable wires ofthe sensor cable for connecting to a second sensor, such as the sensor172, can be soldered onto the group of soldering points. The extensioncan optionally be supported by a stiffening board. Because of theflexibility of the flex-circuit, the extension having the group ofsoldering points can be folded under the electrical contacts or at otherlocations to expose the electrical contacts for contacting the pins.Additional details of the flex-circuit are described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/951,313, filed on Jul. 25, 2013 and entitled “AUTOMATEDASSEMBLY SENSOR CABLE,” which is expressly bodily incorporated in itsentirety and is part of this disclosure. An artisan will recognize fromthe disclosure herein that one or more cables, individual cables, or allcables could advantageously include one or more flex circuits.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of electrical contacts 147can be arranged in two rows and located in a center of the anteriorsurface 142 of the base 140 so as to be able to overlap with the pad 116on the posterior surface 114 of the monitor instrument 110 as shown inFIG. 2A. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from thedisclosure herein that the number and arrangement of the pad 146 withthe plurality of electrical contacts 147 are not limiting. For exampleand not by way of limiting, the anterior surface 142 of the base 140 canhave four pads 146 with a plurality of electrical contacts 147, one oneach corner of the substantially rectangular anterior surface 142 of thebase 140, and the posterior surface 114 of the monitor instrument 110can have four corresponding covers 116 with a plurality of pogo pins 117on the four corners of the posterior surface 114 of the monitorinstrument 110.

As described above, the cables 174, 176 can extend outside the base 140at the outlets 150, 152, respectively. In some embodiments, the outlets150, 152 can include the electrical connectors, such as mechanical plugsthat are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 147. Thefirst and second sensor cables 174, 176 can be plugged into themechanical plugs. In some embodiments, the mechanical plug can include aphone plug or the like. Although two separate outlets are shown in theillustrative example, the wireless patient monitoring device 10 caninclude a single outlet with two plugs, or a multi-port connectorconfigured for connecting to a plurality of sensors of different typesand/or sizes.

When the monitor instrument 110 is removably engaged with the base 140,the posterior surface 114 of the monitor instrument 110 can overlap withthe anterior surface 142 of the base 140. The pogo pins 117 on themonitor instrument 110 can come into contact with the electricalcontacts 147 on the base 140, thereby establishing electricalconnections between the printed circuit boards inside the monitorinstrument 110 and the sensors 170, 172. In some embodiments, when theposterior surface 114 of the monitor instrument 110 comes into closeproximity with the anterior surface 142 of the base 140, the pogo pins117 can retract into the pogo pin holes while still maintainingelectrical connection with the electrical contacts 147. The electricalconnection between the monitor instrument 110 and the sensors 170, 172can allow the sensors 170, 172 connected to the base 140 to communicatewith and send sensor data to the monitor instrument 110. Having theelectrical contacts for the pogo pins on the base can advantageouslyreduce a size of a connector between a sensor and a monitor, or betweena sensor and a sensor cable, and make the connecting structures lessbulky. The less bulky connecting structures can advantageously providemore comfort to the patient. One of ordinary skill in the art will alsoappreciate from the disclosure herein that types of electricalconnectors other than pogo pin connectors can be used to electricallyconnect monitor instrument 110 and the base 140.

As shown in FIGS. 1F, 2F, and 3A, the base 140 can include one or morestrap connectors 156 for engaging the strap 160. The strap connector 156can be an integral portion of the base 140 or a separately formedcomponent secured to the base 140 mechanically, or via adhesives orwelding, or the like. The strap connector 156 can form an opening 157with the posterior surface of the base 140. The strap 160 can passthrough the opening 157 to be secured to the base 140. As shown in FIGS.1F and 2F, the base 140 can have two strap connectors 156 on oppositeends across a width of the base 140.

The strap 160 can include any fabric, elastic, or otherwise flexiblematerial. In certain embodiments, the strap 160 can be waterproof. Oneor both ends of the strap 160 can be tapered. One or both ends of thestrap 160 can include a covering to protect the strap ends. The strap160 can be secured to the patient's wrist as a wristband, or in anyother configuration. A portion of the strap 160 can be secured toanother portion of the strap 160 using Velcro, clasps, adhesive,snap-fits, or any other connector. The strap 160 can include any or allof the features of the strap described in U.S. application Ser. No.13/762,270, filed Feb. 07, 2013, titled “Wireless Patient MonitoringDevice,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety. In an embodiment, the strap can include a foam or posywrap type material common in securing mechanisms for patient sensor,such as neonate or infant sensors. Each physiological sensor, such asone of the sensors 170, 172, can include its own sensor attachmentmechanism separate from the base 140 and the strap 160. The sensorattachment mechanism can be configured to removably secure thephysiological sensor to a measurement site on the patient. Each sensorcan include a sensor positioner configured to position the sensor withrespect to the measurement site on the patient. In an embodiment, thesensor attaches using an adhesive layer. Other embodiments will be knownto an artisan from the disclosure herein, including, for example, aPosey wrap, Velcro, tape, mechanical couplings generally having a closedbias to grip or otherwise stick to a measurement site, or othercommercially available attachments.

Providing the patient monitoring device 10 wearable on the wrist canadvantageously allow the patient to easily check the patient'sphysiological state or parameters by looking at the display screen ofthe monitor. Other advantages of the wearable patient monitoring device10 include reducing clutter of cables, improving patient mobility byeliminating some or all of the cables.

In some embodiments, the patient monitoring device can removably connectto a sensor via a sensor cable connector. Examples of such patientmonitoring devices are shown in FIGS. 5A-11D. In these embodiments, thesensor cable connector can extend from the reusable monitor instrumentand the disposable base can include no electrical components. As shownin FIGS. 5A-7E, the patient monitoring device 50 can have features ofthe patient monitoring device 10 of FIGS. 1A-2B except as describedbelow. Accordingly, features of the patient monitoring device 50 can beincorporated into features of patient monitoring device 10 and featuresof the patient monitoring device 10 can be incorporated into features ofpatient monitoring device 50. The monitor instrument 510, the base 540,and the strap 560 can operate in the same or similar manner to theoperation of the monitor instrument 110, the base 140, and the strap 160described above.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the monitor instrument 510 and the base 540can both have round outer shapes. The base can have a correspondinground outer shape. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 6F, thebase can have a corresponding round outer shape with two flat sidesalong a length of the strap. The two flat sides can reduce a foot printof the base when the device is worn by the patient, thereby making thedevice more comfortable to wear. In other embodiments, such as shown inFIGS. 5F and 7E, the monitor instrument 510 and the base 540 can have asquare or rectangular outer shape. The monitor instrument 510 can have acable outlet 580 on a side wall of the monitor instrument 510. A sensorconnector cable 582 can extend from the cable outlet 580. In someembodiments, the sensor connector cable 582 can be permanently coupledto the cable outlet 580. The sensor connector cable 582 can beelectrically connected to an electrical circuit in the monitorinstrument 510. The sensor connector cable 582 can terminate on a freeend at a sensor cable connector 584. In some embodiments, the sensorcable connector 584 can comprise pogo pin connectors. Types and methodsof electrically connecting the sensor cable connector 584 and a sensorare not limiting. A sensor (shown in FIGS. 10A-B) removably connected tothe sensor cable connector 584 can send sensor data to the monitorinstrument 510.

Also as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the base 540 can have an opening 590for engaging, and mechanically and removably mating with a complementaryprotruding portion on the posterior surface of the monitor instrument510. The opening 590 can have an irregular shape configured forrotationally retaining the monitor instrument 510. In the illustratedembodiment, the opening 590 can have an outer shape of two substantiallyrectangular shapes overlapping with each other, one of the substantiallyrectangular shapes being generally perpendicular with the other one ofthe substantially rectangular shapes. The base 540 can optionally haveone or more open slots 592 to aid the positioning and engagement betweenthe base 540 and the monitor instrument 510. The complementaryprotruding portion on the monitor instrument 510 can pass through theopening 590 when a length of the protruding portion aligns with thelength of the open 590 and a width of the protruding portion aligns withthe width of the opening 590. The monitor instrument 510 can then beturned clockwise or anticlockwise about a quarter of a turn to securethe monitor instrument 510 to the base 540. As shown in FIG. 5A, whenthe monitor instrument 510 is engaged with the base 540, the cableoutlet 580 can be pointing away from the strap 560 and substantiallyparallel to a width of the strap 560. This configuration of the cableoutlet 580 can advantageously prevent the sensor connector cable 582from contacting the strap 560 near the cable outlet 580, which can causestress to and early failure of the sensor connector cable 582. Thisconfiguration can also allow the patient's wrist to move freely withoutbeing hindered by the sensor connector cable 582 extending from thecable outlet 580. FIGS. 6B-E illustrate reverse steps for removing themonitor instrument 510 from the base 540, such as by rotating themonitor instrument 510 anticlockwise or clockwise about a quarter of aturn so that a length of the protruding portion can align with thelength of the open 590 and a width of the protruding portion can alignwith the width of the opening 590.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5A-6E, the base 540 can have a cordsnap feature 595 similar to the cord snap feature 195 described above.The cord snap feature can be on a circumference of the base 540. Thecord snap feature 595 can retain a portion of the sensor connector cable582 and prevent the sensor connector cable 582 from dangling about thepatient's wrist or arm. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord snapfeature 595 can retain a portion of the sensor connector cable 582 by asnap fit, although methods of retaining the sensor connector cable 582are not limiting. As shown in FIGS. 5A-6E, the cord snap feature 595 canbe located along the width of the strap 560. The cord snap feature 595can also be located substantially 90° from the cable outlet 580 when themonitor instrument 510 engages the base 540. The configuration of thecord snap feature 595 can advantageously allow the sensor connectorcable 582 to be snapped on the cord snap feature 595 without having tomake sharp turns. The configuration of the cord snap feature 595 canalso advantageously allow the sensor connector cable 582 to runsubstantially parallel to the patient's arm when the patient wears thepatient monitoring device 50 on her wrist.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-E, the cord snap feature 595 can be about 90°clockwise from the cable outlet 580 or about 90° counterclockwise fromthe cable outlet 580 when the monitor instrument 510 engages the base540. These alternative configurations of the cord snap feature 595 canadvantageously aid in the ergonomics of the device and cable management,and can accommodate both patients who prefer to wear the monitoringdevice 50 on the left wrist and patients who prefer to wear themonitoring device 50 on the right wrist. However, an artisan willrecognize from the disclosure herein that the snap feature 595 can be invirtually any position with respect to the outlet 580 that provides forreduced clutter, better positioning of the sensor, reduced mechanicalstress on the cable or cable connectors, or reduces pinching of thecable, or any other advantageous.

FIGS. 8A-9B illustrate embodiments of the patient monitoring device 80A,80B. The patient monitoring devices 80A, 80B can have features of thepatient monitoring device 50 except as described below. Accordingly,features of the patient monitoring devices 80A, 80B can be incorporatedinto features of patient monitoring device 50 and features of thepatient monitoring device 50 can be incorporated into features ofpatient monitoring devices 80A, 80B. The monitor instrument 810, thebases 840B, and the strap 560B as shown in FIGS. 9A-B can operate in thesame or similar manner to the operation of the monitor instrument 510,the base 540, and the strap 560 described above. The monitor instrument810 can be configured to be compatible with both the bases 840A, 840Bsuch that the patient can choose between wearing the device 80A aroundthe neck, or wearing the device 80B on a wrist or arm.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-B, the base 840A of the patient monitoring device80A can be connected to a cord 860A instead of the strap 860B. The cord860A can be worn around the patient's neck. The cord 860A canadvantageously allow the patient monitoring device 80A to be coupledwith an in-ear and/or nose sensor (not shown) without requiring a longcable connecting the in-ear and/or nose sensor and the base 860A.Although the cord is described in connection with embodiments of themonitor instrument including a sensor cable connector, the cord can alsobe incorporated into embodiments of the patient monitoring device 10described above such that the base 140 can be connected to a cordinstead of being connected to the strap 160.

As shown in FIG. 10A-B, the bases 840A, 840B can both be compatible withthe monitor instrument 810. For example, the bases 840A, 840B can havethe same coupling features for engaging the monitor instrument 810 asdescribed above. Accordingly, the same monitor instrument 810 canremovably engage either the base 840B for wearing the patient monitoringdevice 80B on the wrist or the base 840A for wearing the patientmonitoring device 80A around the neck. Interchangeability between thebases 840A, 840B can advantageously allow the monitor instrument 810 tobe used with various types of the sensors depending on where the sensorsneed to be located on the patient's body.

Turning to FIGS. 11A-D, another embodiment of the patient monitoringdevice 100 is shown. The patient monitoring device 100 can have featuresof the patient monitoring device 50 except as described below.Accordingly, features of the patient monitoring device 100 can beincorporated into features of patient monitoring device 50 and featuresof the patient monitoring device 50 can be incorporated into features ofpatient monitoring device 100. The monitor instrument 1010, the bases1040, and the strap 1060 as shown in FIGS. 11A-D can operate in the sameor similar manner to the operation of the monitor instrument 510, thebase 540, and the strap 560 described above.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the monitor instrument 1010 of the patientmonitoring device 100 can have four sides. There can be two slidingchannels 1090 on two opposing sides. In the illustrated embodiment, thesliding channels 1090 can be located on the sides that do not have acable outlet or other types of connection features. The base 1040 canhave corresponding protrusions (not shown) along two opposing sides ofthe base 1040. The sliding channels 1090 can accommodate the protrusionson the base 1040 so that the monitor instrument 1010 can slide onto thebase 1040. FIGS. 11B-D show that the monitor instrument 1010 and thebase 1040 can slide relative to each other in two directions asindicated by the arrows. In some embodiments, the sliding channels 1090and the protrusions can have a friction fit or other types of tolerancesso that the monitor instrument 1010 stays on the base 1040 without anexternal force along the directions of sliding shown in FIGS. 11B-D.This sliding configuration can advantageously prevent inadvertentrotation of the monitor instrument 1010 during use. In some embodiments,the protrusions on the base 1040 can be snap-fitted into the slidingchannels and the sliding channels 1090 can have two closed ends toprevent the protrusions on the base 1040 from disengaging the slidingchannels 1090. The protrusions can be configured to slide along thesliding channels 1090 during use such that when the patient rotates herwrist or arm, the monitor instrument 1010 can slide back and forth alongthe sliding channels. The slidable monitor instrument 1010 can increasethe ergonomics of the device. A skilled artisan will recognize from thedisclosure herein that other types of sliding mechanisms can be used,such as a sliding rail/channel on the monitor instrument 1010 or thebase 1040 with two closed ends and one or more corresponding mushroomtabs on the base 1040 or the monitor instrument 1010.

Although this disclosure has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosurehave been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within thescope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.Additionally, as used herein, “gradually” has its ordinary meaning(e.g., differs from a non-continuous, such as a step-like, change).

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive. For example, the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to parameters measurable by a pulse oximeter sensor and anacoustic sensor. The wireless patient monitoring system described hereincan include sensor additions or substitutions to these sensors. Thesensor additions or substitutions can be configured to monitor one ormore of capnography, blood pressure, ECG, EEG, electrolytes, brainfunction/activity, patient turning, patient fall detection, patientlocation, and the like. The wireless patient monitoring system can alsooutput to a multi-parameter monitor, or a regular patient monitor, or beconfigured to control signals for other devices, such as infusion pumps,oxygen supply, respiratory apparatuses, and the like. Connection betweenthe wireless patient monitoring system and the multi-parameter monitor,regular patient monitor, or other devices can be via cable, via wirelesstechnology, or both.

What is claimed is:
 1. A patient monitoring device configured to beremovably secured to a patient and responsive to one or morephysiological parameters of the patient, the monitoring devicecomprising: a reusable monitor instrument configured to transmitwireless information to a remote patient monitor and having a pluralityof electrical connectors extending from a surface of the monitorinstrument; and a disposable portion including: (a) at least onenon-invasive physiological sensor comprising one of an optical sensorand an acoustic sensor, (b) a base having (i) an electrical connectorconfigured to connect to the at least one physiological sensor, the atleast one physiological sensor including its own sensor attachmentmechanism separate from the disposable portion, said sensor attachmentmechanism configured to removably secure said at least one physiologicalsensor to a measurement site on said patient, and (ii) a plurality ofelectrical contacts on a surface, the electrical connector includingelectronics operably connecting the at least one physiological sensor tothe plurality of electrical contacts, the monitor instrument configuredto removably mechanically engage the base, the electrical connectorsconfigured to electrically contact the electrical contacts, and (c) anattachment mechanism configured for removably securing the base to thepatient, wherein the monitor instrument is responsive to signals fromthe at least one physiological sensor, said signals responsive tophysiological parameters of the patient.
 2. The patient monitoringdevice of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a secondelectrical connector configured to connect to a second non-invasivephysiological sensor.
 3. The patient monitoring device of claim 1,wherein the physiological sensor comprises said optical sensor.
 4. Thepatient monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the physiological sensorcomprises said acoustic sensor.
 5. The patient monitoring device ofclaim 1, wherein the monitor instrument comprises a display screen. 6.The patient monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofelectrical connectors comprise pogo pins.
 7. The patient monitoringdevice of claim 1, further comprising one or more cable managementmechanisms on the reusable monitor instrument or the base, the one ormore cable management mechanisms configured to secure sensor cables. 8.A patient monitoring device configured to be removably secured to apatient and responsive to one or more physiological parameters of thepatient, the monitoring device comprising: a reusable monitor instrumentconfigured to transmit wireless information to a remote patient monitorand having a plurality of electrical connectors extending from a surfaceof the monitor instrument; and a disposable portion including (a) atleast two non-invasive physiological sensors, each sensor including asensor positioner configured to position the sensor with respect to ameasurement site on said patient, (b) a base having (i) at least firstand second electrical connectors configured to connect to the at leasttwo physiological sensors respectively, and (ii) a plurality ofelectrical contacts on a surface, the electrical connectors includingelectronics operably connecting the at least two physiological sensorsto the plurality of electrical contacts, the monitor instrumentconfigured to removably mechanically engage the base, the electricalconnectors configured to electrically contact the electrical contacts,and (c) an attachment mechanism configured for removably securing thebase to the patient, wherein the monitor instrument is responsive tosignals from the at least two physiological sensors, said signalsresponsive to physiological parameters of the patient.
 9. The patientmonitoring device of claim 8, wherein the attachment member comprises aband configured to be removably secured onto the patient's arm, wrist,leg, or ankle.
 10. The patient monitoring device of claim 8, wherein theattachment member comprises a cord configured to be worn around thepatient's neck.
 11. The patient monitoring device of claim 8, whereinthe at least first and second electrical connectors are positioned onthe same side of the base.
 12. The patient monitoring device of claim 8,wherein at least first and second electrical connectors are configuredto removably connect the at least two physiological sensors such thatthe at least first and second electrical connectors can be exchanged.13. The patient monitoring device of claim 8, wherein the plurality ofelectrical connectors comprise pogo pins.
 14. The patient monitoringdevice of claim 8, further comprising one or more cable managementmechanisms on the reusable monitor instrument or the base, the one ormore cable management mechanisms configured to secure sensor cables. 15.A patient monitoring device configured to be removably secured to apatient and responsive to one or more physiological parameters of thepatient, the monitoring device comprising: a reusable monitor instrumentconfigured to transmit wireless information to a remote patient monitorand having at least one electrical connector extending from a surface ofthe monitor instrument, the at least one electrical connector includingelectronics configured for operably connecting to at least onephysiological sensor; and a disposable portion including a base and anattachment mechanism configured for removably securing the base to thepatient, the monitor instrument configured to removably mechanicallyengage the base, wherein the monitor instrument is responsive to signalsfrom the at least one physiological sensor, said signals responsive tophysiological parameters of the patient.
 16. The patient monitoringdevice of claim 15, wherein the attachment member comprises a bandconfigured to be removably secured onto the patient's arm, wrist, leg,or ankle.
 17. The patient monitoring device of claim 15, wherein theattachment member comprises a cord configured to be worn around thepatient's neck.
 18. The patient monitoring device of claim 15, furthercomprising one or more cable management mechanisms on the reusablemonitor instrument or the base, the one or more cable managementmechanisms configured to secure one or more sensor cables.